> The Exp[a]nse had great writing and is based on great books

Also, the authors of the book were writers and producers of the show.

Having recently watched Sentinel and Jack Ryan, and previously The Expanse and TRoP (it's most certainly not LotR), it looks like Amazon is trying to replicate the same formula over and over:

  1. Cliffhangers at the end of each episode.
  2. Multiple red herrings and 180 degree turns.
  3. One *huge* reveal towards the end.
  4. A mixture of grim realism and cynical humour.
  5. Dramatic and often extreme action scenes.

It works for some series, and combined with good writing/acting/directing can result in a solid product (see Jack Ryan, The Expanse); but in other cases it either fails with bad filmmaking (see Sentinel), or simply doesn't fit the underlying material (see TRoP).

I Hope it turns out well.

Generally I think Amazon does a good job with the prime original series.

I liked the Expanse. The peripheral was interesting. Even the LotR “rings of power” I found enjoyable, and maybe better than expected after those hobit movies.. Not perfect but it had heart, some humor, good music (Bear Mccready, Fiona apple!) thought a bit too sentimental as LOTR tends to be..

HBO took the “last of us” and did something decent I fall into hope springs eternal camp. But I’d rather play the story than just watch it… I loved the uncharted games, but am never going to see an uncharted movie.

In this case I watched my partner play fallout. It had a story, but you play you, not a specific character. But a settlement always needs your help.